Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2024

38 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

The spleen serves as a reservoir for lymphocytes and red blood cells, and filters blood and controls red blood cell and iron metabolism by storing splenic macrophages that start the decomposition of old erythrocytes (red blood cells) and thrombocytes (clot forming cells). This organ also recycles iron by returning it to the liver. MALT is lymphoepithelial tissue that plays an important role in the immune defense of the respiratory and digestive tracts, and includes the tonsils in the throat and Peyers patches in the small intestines. These two areas are constantly being exposed to the external environment and potentially harmful pathogens, thus requiring a highly responsive immune surveillance system.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body in either groups or chains (axillary and inguinal groups) along blood vessels, and are surrounded by adipose tissue. They vary in shape and size according to their anatomical location and purpose, inheritance and the individual’s age. Some estimates suggest the human body has between 600–700 lymph nodes. The inside structure of a lymph node is like a kidney in that it contains a dense filter-like network that provides a large surface area to filter and cleanse the incoming lymph fluid. Lymph nodes are generally not palpable. Tender and palpable lymph nodes could indicate the presence of infection. For massage therapists, this information means that a client who has

Lymph node structure

Blood capillaries around lymphatic nodule

Afferent lymphatic vessels

Vein

Trabeculae

Artery

Valve

Lymph flow

Cortical sinus Lymphatic nodule Germinal center

Cortex

Efferent lymphatic vessel

Capsule

Medulla (medullary cord and medullary sinus)

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